Stella Parton, sister of the late country music icon Dolly Parton, has publicly addressed the influx of artificial intelligence-generated content and online trolls her family has encountered in the wake of Dolly's death.
In an Instagram post, the 77-year-old musician urged internet users to "show more compassion" as her family navigates their grief. Stella described the situation as challenging, noting the "tremendous amount of AI and endless garbage being posted every day" that has been difficult to process.
"It’s not about the most clever comments, fake AI garbage or snarky tweets," Stella wrote in a typed letter shared on her social media. "At the end of the day or the end of a life, how will you feel about yourself? It’s not about what other individuals you will never meet think of you!"
She encouraged others to use her sister's life as an example of tolerance and respect. Dolly Parton, who passed away at age 80, had deliberately avoided public commentary on contentious topics like politics and religion, Stella noted, understanding the potential for negative discourse.
Dolly Parton's death was confirmed on August 25 by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver, via an Instagram video. She had been admitted to Nashville's Vanderbilt University Medical Center on August 21 for autoimmune and kidney issues, according to TMZ.
In the days leading up to her passing, Dolly had expressed to People magazine her desire to achieve numerous goals, including the launch of a new hotel and museum in Nashville. In honor of the legendary singer, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville International Airport are considering naming the airport after her. Representatives for Dolly Parton have reportedly expressed openness to the proposal.
Stella also shared personal reflections on her sister's generosity and their close bond. She revealed that Dolly had been willing to try experimental drugs in the hope of helping others, even while secretly battling cancer. Stella described her late sibling as "one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known."
She recounted their long-standing tradition of having coffee together over the phone every Tuesday before sunrise, a ritual that allowed them to catch up and make plans. "Being little farm girls we’ve continued to be early risers," Stella shared. "As she liked to say; “shoot Tedda we get more work done before the sun comes up than most folks do all day long!”"